Jacory Harris

Last season, Jacory Harris became the first University of Miami quarterback since Ken Dorsey in 2002 to pass for 3,000 yards despite tearing a ligament in his thumb that caused problems late in the year.

After missing spring practice while still recovering from that thumb, Harris is back on the field and says he will be ready for UM's opening game against Florida A&M on Sept. 2.

With both he and offensive coordinator Mark Whipple entering their second season together, things should run more smoothly for the unit.

Both have the fortune to work with great offensive weapons in the backfield and outside, but a question remains whether a young offensive line can protect the Popsicle-thin Harris?

If the Hurricanes want to join the more elite offenses in the country, Harris must cut his interceptions from 17 last season, good for second-most in college football, but surely his decision-making should have improved by watching tape and playing an entire season.

Running Backs

Senior Damien Berry will likely be the starter when the season kicks off in September.

He received playing time during his breakout game against Florida A&M, gaining 165 yards and a touchdown, and quickly became the offense's catalyst.

After besting the Rattlers, Berry went on to score for a team-best seven straight games.

Graig Cooper, who tore his ACL during the Champs Sports Bowl, might be ready in time for the regular season, but hasn't put on full pads yet.

There's also Lamar Miller, Lee Chambers, Mike James, and Storm Johnson as weapons in the backfield.

Look for offensive coordinator Mark Whipple to utilize the running backs more than he did last year to set up the play-action pass. Miami struggled at times when it focused too much on the passing game and neglected the run.

New running backs coach Mike Cassano returns to the U, and also coached alongside Whipple at UMass—That should only unite the offense more.

Matt Bosher

Call him college football's ultimate "Renaissance Man."

Last year, senior Matt Bosher made 14-of-16 field goals, averaged 42.5 yards per punt, recorded six tackles, made both the All-ACC First and Second Team, and successfully recovered his own onside kick.

The only thing he struggled with was kickoffs, and that was in part due to the horrible coverage surrounding him.

As a one-time Lou Groza Award semifinalist, Bosher could have his best shot at the honor this season with UCLA's Kai Forbath having graduated.

In 2008, Bosher even earned team MVP.

He has led the Hurricanes in scoring over the last two years, and remains their most consistent piece to the puzzle.

Linebacking Corps

As much depth as there is on the defensive line, the complete opposite can be said of the LB corps.

Gone is Darryl Sharpton, who now calls New Orleans home.

Senior Colin McCarthy is the lone veteran with All-ACC Second Team honors last year. He recorded 95 tackles (second on team) and 10.5 tackles for a loss.

Junior Sean Spence suffered through an injury and sophomore slump with just 36 tackles—10 of which came in the win over Oklahoma.

When Spence missed time, junior Ramon Buchanan stepped in and collected 28 tackles.

Hard-hitting Jordan Futch, who played in the season's first five games, missed the remainder of the season with a knee injury.

This unit is the big question mark when it comes to the defense.

After witnessing Wisconsin's tight end Lance Kendricks take control of the Champs Sports Bowl with seven catches for 128 yards, the Hurricanes need someone to step up and defend the middle of the field.